Update Your Skincare Routines for Fall and Winter

When summer is a couple months gone and that familiar chill is finally in the air every morning—and sometimes into the day—there are many ways to celebrate the seasonal shift. Some people indulge in pumpkin spice coffees and apple cider doughnuts. Others throw some logs into the fireplace or crank up the thermostat and settle in to watch Hallmark movies under a cozy blanket.

Yes, traditions abound this time of year, but there is one in particular you should be observing if you care about the look and health of your skin: saying goodbye to your warm-weather skincare and cosmetics. South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center works with patients seeking in-office treatments to address signs of aging and sun damage, but the team also offers advice on how best to take care of your face—and all the rest of your skin—at home.

If you’re stubbornly sticking to the same routine you maintained throughout the summer, you get some points for your tenacity, but you should know that your skin has different needs in the autumn and winter when the air is drier, tempting sugary treats are seemingly everywhere, and the temptation to luxuriate in a long, hot shower is often overwhelming.

Before we get too much further into the holiday season, be sure to check out this list of season skincare advice from the South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center team:

Assess Your Moisturizer

Moisturizers intended for the summer months tend to be thinner and lightweight gels, ideal for locking in moisture without giving your skin a “heavy” feeling. In the winter, however, you’ll want a thicker, creamier moisturizer. Look for a product with ceramides, which boost the skin’s barrier function. That means it gets better at keeping moisture in—and even keeping germs out!

Consider Humidifying

Yes, summer is when we tend to feel hot and dry, but the cold winter air actually holds onto less moisture. As goes the air, so goes your skin. Consider, too, that heating the dry inside your home helps a bit, but it tends to be recirculated and not great at helping with hydration. As we shut out the bad weather, think about firing up a humidifier to introduce a little more moisture into your home.

Shower Warm, Not Hot

A cold morning is practically begging for long, steamy, hot shower to chase away the chill. Plus, given the other advice here, that steam should be good for humidifying the room, right? Unfortunately, those hot showers that feel so good are also stripping valuable oils from your skin. Without those oils, your skin—you guessed it—can dry out more. To avoid this, keep the shower on pleasantly warm instead of practically scorching, and don’t take so long before you towel dry.

Don’t Skimp on Sunscreen

Fall and winter are colder, but that doesn’t mean the sun can’t still cause damage. Ultraviolet rays continue to pelt the planet at all times of the year, and clouds don’t stop them from reaching your skin and causing problems. From premature signs of aging to sun spots to long-term health problems, unprotected sun exposure is not a good idea. Keep slathering on that sunscreen when you head outdoors!

Enjoy Sweets in Moderation

Without getting too technical, here’s the deal about sugar and your skin. An excess of the sweet stuff can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are two proteins you definitely want to hold onto if you care about having firm, smooth, and youthful-looking skin. As Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, you will likely be bombarded with cookies, candies, and more—plus you probably indulged a bit for Halloween already! Go easy on the treats. Your skin will thank you.

Want more skincare advice for fall and winter, or to learn about the available in-office treatments? Call South Jersey Skin Care and Laser Center at 856.810.9888 or booking your consultation online.